Many say that what caregivers need most is caregiving. Relatives caring for the terminally ill at home are particularly in need of support to improve their own quality of life. One form
of nurturing for caregivers that reduces their levels of stress is soft tissue
massage (hand or foot). This strategy has demonstrated beneficial results for 
caregiving relatives of patients receiving palliative home care. (See research and
video):
http://hospiceandnursinghomes.blogspot.com/2010/03/massage-for-caregivers-of-terminally.html

Frances Shani Parker 

“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”

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  • Thank you Frances for this important piece of research.Yes this simple act of touch can ease the tightness that separates family members from their dying loved one. Sometimes although the family member wants to be tender the stress has taken on a physical tightness that does not allow the softness to be translated. Tightness enforces separation.

    I personally believe that touch is also a vital component to bereavement care. A simple hand massage can assist in easing lonliness, isolation and help to rebuild a sense of self worth after the loss of a family member.


    Thank you Irene Smith
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